My Journey on a New Road

I have been driving the same stretch of highway to work for the past 8-1/2 years. Five days a week and there are days I think I could make the drive blindfolded. Knowing that would not be the most intelligent thing to do, don’t worry I won’t.

This morning as I was on the county road getting close to merging onto the highway, I noticed extremely bright lights up ahead. At 6:15 am it’s still pretty dark, so as I saw these lights I assumed something major was going on.

There were road construction signs on the shoulder, indicating a one lane road ahead. Could it be? They have been working on a new four lane along this stretch of Highway 99 for the past few years. As I approached a man holding a sign, waving me to the other side of the road I actually became a little excited.

…Until I got to the newly operating stop light at the intersection…

I almost began to panic. I knew that I needed to go south because that was the way to Sacramento, but why were there cars on the opposite side of me. Where were they coming from? Where does that road lead?

It was dark. There was the inability to see exactly where I was going. The road was extremely unfamiliar to me as opposed to the road I was accustomed to drive on. I wasn’t sure if I was excited anymore. Actually, it was starting to freak me out a little.

Trying to gather my bearings and figure out where I was only confused me more.

However, after a few moments on this new road I began to enjoy the ride. And once the new road merged with the old and I knew exactly where I was, I uttered the word, “huh” to myself in the car.

The brief time I was traveling on that section of road, all I could think about was this past week…

I encountered a new set of emotions within me. At 37 years old, one would think that they have experienced every emotion humanly possible. Ha!

As I try to sort through this new feeling, the journey to work this morning reminded me that it’s ok to venture down a new road. And that while the road is somewhat dark and unfamiliar, all I have to do is trust that it will lead me where I’m supposed to go.

A new road is smooth. Flawless. So why does it frighten me so? Somehow panic and doubt seem to rob us from merely being able to enjoy the excitement of a new journey...

Driving home this afternoon I know I will see things differently. And I know that as the days go by, the same will be true in my life as well.